Read the latest book reviews of Minipreneur’s favourite children’s books this winter published by Floris Books; Little, Brown & Company; and Quarto.
The Nowhere Emporium
Written by award-winning author Ross MacKenzie and illustrated by Mariano Epelbaum, The Nowhere Emporium returns in a spectacular anniversary hardback edition, celebrating a decade of captivating young readers with its extraordinary world of magic and imagination. When orphan Daniel Holmes stumbles upon a mysterious shop that has appeared in Glasgow, he is drawn into an enchanting universe of hidden passageways, impossible rooms and astonishing wonders. Alongside Mr Silver’s daughter Ellie, Daniel discovers the Emporium’s secrets, but when its enigmatic owner disappears and a sinister presence threatens its existence, the pair must find a way to save their extraordinary home. MacKenzie’s imaginative storytelling combines adventure, mystery and richly constructed fantasy, while Epelbaum’s atmospheric illustrations bring fresh visual magic to this much-loved modern classic. With 200,000 copies sold and accolades including the Blue Peter Best Story Award, this beautifully produced edition offers an inviting introduction to an acclaimed fantasy adventure. Parents will appreciate its imaginative depth and enduring appeal, while children will relish discovering a world where the impossible becomes wonderfully real. £14.99 published by Floris Books.
The Weirdies Get Weirder
Written by Michael Buckley and illustrated by Forrest Burdett, The Weirdies Get Weirder delivers another gloriously offbeat adventure in this darkly humorous sequel to the bestselling The Weirdies. The unfortunate triplets Barnacle, Melancholy and Garlic are once again caught up in their dysfunctional family’s peculiar affairs when their unpleasant parents return from the dead, demanding that they locate their bank-robbing grandfather’s missing fortune hidden somewhere within the extraordinary Deadeye Manor. Meanwhile, their former adoptive mother, Miss Emily, is determined to reunite with the children, even if infiltrating a mansion occupied by criminals and hooligans proves rather more complicated than anticipated. Blending gothic eccentricity, mystery and mischievous humour, Buckley creates an entertaining world populated by wonderfully unconventional characters, with Burdett’s illustrations adding to the story’s distinctive visual appeal. Exploring family bonds, belonging and the meaning of home beneath its outrageous comedy, this is an appealing choice for confident readers aged 8–12, particularly fans of The Swifts and A Series of Unfortunate Events. Parents will appreciate its imaginative storytelling and underlying emotional themes, while children will delight in the outrageous characters, macabre comedy and wonderfully unpredictable escapades. £12.99 published by Little, Brown & Company.
The Story Orchestra: Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland
Illustrated by Jessica Courtney-Tickle, The Story Orchestra: Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland offers an imaginative introduction to Lewis Carroll’s much-loved classic, bringing its curious characters and fantastical adventures to life through music. As Alice follows the White Rabbit down the rabbit hole, children can press ten sound buttons to hear excerpts from an actual Royal Ballet performance, adding an orchestral dimension to scenes featuring the Mad Hatter’s world, the Queen of Hearts and Alice’s extraordinary transformations. The musical experience extends beyond the story itself, with an introduction to composer Joby Talbot and an accessible glossary explaining musical terminology. Combining storytelling, sound and visual detail, this interactive edition encourages children to listen attentively, explore classical music and discover how a score can enrich a narrative. Parents will appreciate its thoughtful introduction to orchestral music, while young readers will delight in rediscovering Alice’s adventures through sound. £18.99 published by Quarto.
Listen to the Music: The Composers
Written by by Mary Richards and illustrated by Skylar White, Listen to the Music: The Composers introduces young readers to ten influential composers through an illustrated, time-travelling adventure with Pip and Sammy. From Vivaldi’s Spring and Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 to Clara Schumann’s Three Romances and Handel’s Music for the Royal Fireworks, each encounter connects a composer with a celebrated composition, allowing children to hear the music at the touch of a button. The selection spans different periods and musical traditions, including the work of Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges, and William Grant Still. Children can explore the composers chronologically or revisit individual pieces, making the book easy to enjoy at their own pace. Combining biographical introductions, visual storytelling and recorded performances, it offers an engaging first step into classical music. Parents will value the breadth of its musical selection, while Minipreneurs can discover the personalities and sounds behind some remarkable compositions. £18.99 published by Quarto.
A Christmas Full of Poetry
Written by former Waterstones Children’s Laureate Joseph Coelho, A Christmas Full of Poetry brings festive verse into the family’s seasonal reading traditions. Its 25 illustrated poems invite children to experience language in different ways, from exuberant readings and playful carol reimaginings to delicate haikus inspired by falling snow. There are verses to share at home, perform at school or enjoy together on Christmas Day, alongside creative ideas such as transforming a letter to Santa into a poem. Designed to be read aloud as well as enjoyed on the page, the collection provides an accessible opportunity to develop confidence, expression and an appreciation of rhythm and language. With a poem for each day leading up to Christmas, it offers a compelling reason to make poetry part of the festive countdown. Parents will appreciate its potential to create a lasting family tradition, while Minipreneurs can relish finding their own voices through verse. £12.99 published by Quarto.
